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A petition was filed in the Bombay High Court on 15th April,2021 seeking permission to allow people to collect "pious boiled food" from the trust's premises during nine days of Ayambil fast. The petition was filed by Shree Trustee Atma Kamal Labdhisurishwarji Jain Gyanmandir Trust and Sheth Motisha Religious and Charitable Trust. The matter was heard by division bench of Justices SC Gupte and Abhay Ahuja.
"Ayambil" is a holy fast observed by the people from Jain community. These fast are kept for a period of 9 days which is called "oli". During this fast, only pious boiled food is consumed only once in day time while sitting at a place, for the rest of the day one can drink only boiled water. The fast of Ayambil is observed to attain spiritual upliftment through the achievement of victory over taste and to shed karmic bondage. Many Jain people across the country have faith and belief in these fast and observe it on a large scale. Normally, the food is prepared at Temple trust's place and served in the premises to those who have observed the fast. All the arrangements are managed by various volunteers of the trust. This year the "Ayambil" taap or "oli" will start from 19th April and end on 27th April,2021. But,this year the fast could not be held in the regular manner due to the order issued by Government of Maharashtra on 13th April,2021 in which religious place are completely closed due to the prevailing situation of covid-19 pandemic in the state. The petitioner was seeking for permission to allow people to come to the trust's place and collect food for nine days. They submitted that they would act according to Standard Operating Procedures(SoPs) and would adhere with all protocols. The petitioner also added that last year a 4,000 sq.feet Dining Hall was allowed to serve food but this time they are only asking for takeaways. The counsel for the state referred to the petition of Juma Masjid Trust filed two days before, which was dismissed as the state stand is clear that all religious place should be closed. Further allowing people to come and collect food can lead to gathering of people. The petitioner quoted that "Unfortunately, restaurants and bars are allowed, but religious trusts are not allowed," to which counsel replied that only 25 people are allowed in marriages and people are not allowed in restaurants, only delivery is exempted.
The Court proposed the petitioner that they can create a team of volunteers who can orders online and deliver food to the home of people observing fast just like food delivery given by Zomato and Swiggy. The court directed the state to respond on its suggestion and posted the matter for hearing on Friday.
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